Chasers Spring Training In Full Swing

With less than two weeks remaining until Opening Day, the 2016 Storm Chasers roster has begun to take shape as the Triple-A team continued Spring Training play this week. Entering play on Friday, Omaha owns a 3-3 record this Spring, which includes victories over the Round Rock Express and Oklahoma City Dodgers.

The Storm Chasers have gotten home runs this week from seven different players, including infielders Balbino Fuenmayor and Dusty Coleman, as well as outfielders Brett Eibner and Jorge Bonifacio. Two of those longballs came in a 9-7 loss to the Round Rock Express on Tuesday courtesy of Fuenmayor (2-2, R, HR, 2 RBI) and INF Ramon Torres (2-3, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI), while Eibner (2-2, R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI), Bonifacio (1-3, R, HR, 2 RBI) and Coleman (1-2, R, HR, RBI) left the yard in a 8-5 defeat to the Tacoma Rainiers. Infielder Cheslor Cuthbert has also recorded a pair of multi-hit efforts this week, including a 2-for-2 outing with a double on Tuesday.

Omaha also got help from the Major League side on Thursday afternoon thanks to right-hander Yordano Ventura (6.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, BB, 6 SO), who fired six solid innings in a 4-1 victory over Oklahoma City. C Zane Evans smashed a two-run blast in the contest, while OF Jose Martinez and infielders Edward Salcedo, Hunter Dozier and Dusty Coleman were among those recording base knocks in the victory.

Along with Ventura's fine performance, the Storm Chasers have also gotten solid relief outings from several, including southpaw Jonathan Dziedzic (3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, SO) this past Saturday. Right-handers Kevin McCarthy (1.0 IP, SO) and Malcom Culver (1.0 IP, H, BB, 2 SO) each fired scoreless frames as well on Tuesday.

The Royals made several roster moves earlier this week as well as the Storm Chasers roster begins to shape up. Included in those transactions were left-handed relievers Brian Flynn and Scott Alexander optioned to Omaha, while catcher Parker Morin and infielders Orlando Calixte and Dusty Coleman were assigned to minor league camp. More information on those moves can be viewed by clicking here.

The first official Omaha roster will likely not be announced until at least Sunday, April 3, if not later. Opening Day at Werner Park is Thursday, April 7, with the Storm Chasers facing off against the New Orleans Zephyrs.